Goodbye 2007!

I am so looking forward to this year being over! It wasn't one of my best to say the least. I haven't ironed out my plans for this evening, but I will be celebrating the end of this year. I'm looking forward to 2008 and the new things it will be offering me...new home, new job, possibly a new relationship. Who knows?!

Wishing you all a fun and safe New Year!

Hugs and Kisses!!!

Merry Christmas

Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday spent with family and friends.

Merry Christmas!

Love to you all,

Kim

Going back to Cali

I keep singing that song by LL Cool J because I'm moving back to NJ in January. I'm going to be living with my sister, her roommate Gina and her kids Aidan and Gracie. It will be quite a change for me. I'm happy to be moving closer to my family, but I'm sad to be leaving my home of 8 years. I have known for a few weeks now, but having even begun to pack. It's kinda hard looking at your things knowing some will be packed away for quite some time and others will have a new home. I'm going to miss my PA life and friends. But, I'm looking forward to a fresh start in NJ and for 2008. I guess I'm feeling a little overwhelmed by the whole thing and this will be the first time I'm moving by myself. As always, I guess I'll get by with a little help from my friends.

Today is my BFF's Birthday

Happy Birthday Buddy! Hope you have a great one.

Steph and I have been friends for several years now, but in the past 2 she's been a huge source of strength for me. In fact, she's kinda gotten the crappy end of the bargain having to deal with me and all the drama.

No matter how crappy I'm feeling she can make me laugh like no one else. She gets me. She knows the good, bad and ugly and loves me anyway.

And, she is an amazing mother. She has a great son the she raised on her own and she has a lot to be proud of.

I'm so lucky to have her in my life.

Love you, mean it.

Pictures from my partaaay!

Me, Steph and Bart went up to the Grill to have a few drinks for my bday then we moved the party back to Bart's house. Most of Mac Grill showed up and we had a blast! Steph stayed until midnight, I think just to make sure I stayed in check. ;) And, I did! Here are some pics:

Steph, me and Sammie

The Rockstar Bartendars! I never leave home without them. ;)

Me and my buddy Reese.

It was so cool that everyone came back to celebrate with me. And, since that was the last birthday I plan to celebrate I went out with a bang! HAHAHAHA

Ciao!

This is what 39 looks like...

Today I turned 39! Take a good long look because this is the last birthday I will be celebrating. I already had breakfast made for me by my neighbor, been taken to a fabulous lunch by a dear friend and had a kiss ass martini. Tonight I'm going out for champagne and tomorrow I'm partying with my peeps. Thanks to all of you who have sent cards, called, texted, emailed, etc. I am so incredibly blessed with an amazing family and group of friends. I truly could not have gotten through this past year without you. I am determined to make this a good year. I finally feel like I am finding myself. I'm sad that some things have ended and happy for some things to be beginning.

Now on to the long recap. Most of you know by now that Selma was put to sleep without my consent or knowledge. She died alone and it broke my heart. I do have her ashes so she is back with me. I just wish I could have said goodbye.

On to some fun stuff...

Spent Halloween with Gracie and Aiden. Here's a picture of my and my bff:

We were "titty tats".

Steph and I went to the Temple/Penn State game with my dad, uncle, brother and his friends. None of us went to Temple or Penn State, but we went to have a good time and that we did! We froze, but it was worth it! Here are some pics:

Here's one of my and my daddy.

Oh, and here's one of cute football player butts:

I'm spending Thanksgiving with my sister and Gina and then I will be heading over to visit my grandmother and aunt for dessert.

Hope you all have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!

Ciao.

I've got one sick pig on my hands

and it doesn't look good. Got word last night that Selma has cancer. I'm heart broken. Going to pick her up from Penn today, consult with an oncologist and then make some tough decisions.

This little piggie went to the vet...

and this little piggie stayed home.

and he didn't miss her one bit!

My little Selma had to go to the kitty hospital this week. She was so sick with a kidney infection and subsequent kidney failure. She was there from Tuesday through Friday and I missed her. They sent her home with an IV, 3 pills a day and liquid meds that have to be given through a syringe.

I'm just glad she's home. Charlie, however, is not!

Sidewalk Chalk and Vintage Stuff

This is the only way to come home after a bad day at the office. My neighbor and friend, Bart, made this creation in my parking spot. Check out the crown above my name!

And, this little baby came in the mail today. I heart him!

And, this was the note that was left for me!

How freaking cool is that?

5 things I love about Fall

1. Pumpkin Muffins from Dunkin' Donuts.
2. Pumpkin Spiced Lattes from Starbucks.
(seeing a pattern here?)
3. Beautiful colors of the leaves.
4. Warm days and cool nights.
5. HALLOWEEN!!!

Baseball Sunday!

(My pal Rollie always posts on "Football Sunday" so I thought I'd switch it up a bit!)

The Phils did it! #1. My bff Steph has a small crush on Chase Utley, and I'm here to admit I have a HUGE crush on Ryan Howard! I love that boy! He's always smiling and hiting homers. Gotta love him.

Can only hope that the Birds will pull off a win tonight.

I spent the day scrapping yesterday at MLPA. Had a lot of fun and got an album done of shots taken around Philly. It totally got me motivated to scrap the entire weekend away next weekend at a little hostel in town with some friends. Can't wait. Actually, instead of typing here I should be getting some projects together to work on!

Ciao.

PS - Rollie & Steph -- you know I went on eBay this morning and bought a typewriter, right?

Working out

I took the plunge and joined a gym. I'm back in the saddle again. Just started back this week and you know what, it's not so bad. It helps that I bring my video iPod and listen to Rocco during weights and watch Grey's Anatomy while doing cardo. Makes it much more bearable. It feels good to sweat and I have been sleeping through the night, which is delightful.

In other news, I'm totally addicted to eBay! I have been going through the house and making piles of things I want to sell. I've sold a couple of things already and it is addicting. And, as you would imagine I've been buying stuff too! And, since I haven't figured the whole thing out yet, I'm now the proud owner of TWO polaroid cameras. Yes, TWO! So, I will be selling one of those now.

Looking forward to Saturday...cropping the day away at MLPA.

Ciao.

This weekend

I felt like crap...literally. Got nothing done and am even further behind on everything. I do have this coming Saturday to look forward to though. I'll be scrappin with my friends at MLPA.

The progress on my room has come to a halt. I have one more bureau to put together, but I have to clean my closet out to make room for it.

At least the Birds came through for me yesterday! Go Eagles!!!

Meet Lady Lola

Named affectionately after a New Orleans Hooker.

Not that I know one personally, or anything, but my bed looks like it belongs in a New Orleans Boudoir and well, Lady Lola sounds like a pretty good hooker name to me.

6 years ago today

My heart broke in ways I didn't know was possible.

I hope I never experience that kind of fear again.

Remembering.

Peace and love.

One more for the road

Last night in Baltimore. Last night for their tour. Great venue and beautiful weather. RDB got one more performance thrown on their schedule and as luck would have it, it was in driving distance. So glad we made the trip. Seeing them live is an amazing experience. Last night was bitter sweet...one last time seeing them...last time seeing them for a while. Glad that they will be going home for some much needed rest.

I wish Philly had a venue like Baltimore. It was outside, close to the harbor. A few different restaurants and bars surrounding the stage. And, it was free to get in!

Today I'm heading to IKEA for bedding and some other fun stuff and then I'm locking myself in this house and cleaning it!

No more pull-ups for me...

I have a big girl bed!

And, I'm so excited!!! The walls are an apple green, but it's not translating well in this photo. Also, the duvet cover has the same color stripe in it. That's the only bedding I have right now. No duvet to put the duvet cover on or sheets to sleep on. So, even though I finally have a bed, I probably won't be sleeping on it tonight. But, I'm thinking about getting orange or pink sheets to pull out the stripes in the duvet cover. Sassy!

It has taken me a year to commit to a real bedroom set. I'm glad I finally did and I'm happy with my decision.

Alas, I have retired the manger bed. It has served me well, but all good things must come to an end. Arrivederci!

IKEA was out of the nightstands so I bought two bureaus instead. My neighbor Bart will help me put those together at some point. I have pictures to hang as well and I'm thinking about painting a couple of canvases.

I will be heading down to Baltimore tonight with my BFF Stephanie to catch Rocco and the boys for the last show of their tour. I can't wait!!!

My weekend

I started out my long weekend by knitting with Steph and having dinner with her and Andrew. My buddy showed my how to do the Purl stitch and I'm pretty sure I've mastered it. The remainder of my weekend consisted of painting my bedroom. Every single muscle in my body is aching and I've been living on Aleve. But, I LOVE the way it came out. I will take pictures to post. I also purchased a mattress on Monday and it will be delivered this Friday. I can't believe that I'm going to be sleeping on a real bed after spending this past year first on my couch then on the manger bed! Woohoo!!!

Wednesday I'm going to IKEA to buy the bed and nightstands. I also have to get bedding and I'm getting good Eqytian cotten sheets! Can't wait. I'll be sleeping like a baby by next weekend.

The rest of this week will be finishing up the bedroom.

Friday night is a scrap night unless I can convince Steph to drive to Maryland with me to see Rocco one last time before the tour ends.

Rocking out to this today

The Last Goodnight opened for Rocco and the boys the last 2 times I saw them. They are a fun group to see. Now I don't love them like I love RDB, but they are definitely worth a listen. Poison Kiss came out yesterday so check them out.

I'm going out to dinner tonight with Mike and friends for Diva Night at the Beau Rivage. A little sad because after this weekend the restaurant is closing and will be re-opened as a Steakhouse. As most people know, I abhor red meat!!!! Don't think I'll be eating at the new restaurant anytime soon.

Tomorrow night I'm going out to buy the paint for my bedroom re-do. Can't wait! I'll be painting this weekend and happy to accept volunteers. hehehehe

Ciao.

This is what I deal with...

when I work from the office.

This is Belle, my boss' dog. She is a sweetie. When she comes up to my office Alissa puts the blankie down for her. I call her Bellealicious...I be up at the gym just working on my fitness Bellealicious! Or, Bellealicious definition make them boys go crazy! She loves it. I can't say that everyone else in the office loves my singing, but Belle does.

Ciao.

This is what I deal with...

when I work from home.

This is my Selma. She gets very cuddly when I work from home. Notice her fat belly hanging over her leg. She has no shame! It's difficult trying to type over her. Today I just had to pick her up and move her out of my way. I felt bad, but it's kinda hard typing over a fat girl.

Ciao

This is my friend Jayne

This is my friend Jayne playing harmonica and her dog Winston singing, on key I might add!

I feel like this is a See Spot Run post. For my last day/night in Nashville, Jayne took me to Dalt's for lunch, which apparently is a Nashville institution. I had a chicken pot pie and mac and cheese and it was to die for! I ate so much that I was hardly hungry for dinner. Then she took me to a yarn store, where I spent too much money and then a real cool neighborhood for some more shopping. We met her friends Kevin and Donna for dinner at a swanky restaurant Saturday night. Here they are:

They we just as full of life as Jayne is. After dinner we went to a wine bar, which was great too! I was sorry to leave even though it's much, much cooler here.

Anyway, I got home from Nashville yesterday. It's nice to be home and the cats were happy to see me. We snuggled and napped all day.

I decided that I'm going to redo my bedroom and actually buy some furniture. I'm planning to paint Labor Day weekend and I picked out furniture from Ikea. Should be interesting.

Stay dry.

Ciao.

Eating my way through Nashville

Yesterday was a quiet day here in Nashville. Jayne and I worked, but we snuck out for an authentic Southern meal for lunch. We met up with her friend Anthony and they took me to out for a real down home meal. I had the BEST mac and cheese that I've ever had and even had fried chicken on the bone. It was soooo good. Last night we met her friends Kurt and Susan at an amazing Thai restaurant. It was great and I even tried a real hot, spicy dish. It was delicious, but my little lips were burning! The owner came out to say hello and invited us on a two week tour of Thailand. I'm gonna start saving now!

Ciao.

This is Jayne's cat

This is Jayne's cat. Well, technically it's not Jayne's cat yet, but I'm pretty sure it's going to be. We can't tell if it's male or female, but it is so cuddly and lovable. And, it's so comfortable with her dog Winston! And, Winnie doesn't mind the cat too much either. I definitely think she should keep it.

Last night we stayed home and Jayne cooked a great meal. We both needed to catch up on some rest since we had such a late night the evening before. After dinner, we sat down and listened to some great music and had a great conversation.

I met Jayne about 4 years ago through work. She was working with a vendor down here in Nashville. I knew immediately that I had met someone very special. She is so full of life, has a HUGE heart and is very compassionate. After hearing about her childhood and a serious illness she survived I am even more amazed at her attitude on life. I'm not sure if I had lived through what she did if I would be the same person as she is. Her family and friends are very important to her. She has pictures, cards and momentos all over her house. I'm pretty sure that every child she knows (and there's a lot of them) calls her Aunt Jayne. She loves children and animals so much. She has made me feel so comfortable in her home these past couple of days. She has the best laugh ever and always has great stories to share.

I am proud to know her and honored to be considered one of her friends.

Ciao.

I heart him

and her...

(beautiful Rachel and sweaty me)

I got to see Rocco and the boys again last night in Nashville. It had to be the best show yet! They were on fire and the crowd was awesome. It's the first show I've been to that was sold out and everyone knew all the words. The guys were as gracious as ever and spent time with some of the fans after the show. Rachel is a friend of Rocco's and works the merchandise booth, we first met in Philly and got to spend time together last night. I hooked her up with red wine and she hooked me up with an autographed poster of the boys. She is a such a sweet girl and the boys are lucky to have her. I hope they bring her around for the next tour.

I almost forgot to mention that I almost didn't get into the concert last night. I got up to the bouncer and he asked for id, but I couldn't find it!!! Now, imagine....I didn't sleep the night before, had to get up at 4 a.m. to travel to Nashville, get all the way up to the door after waiting in 104 degree temperature for 45 mins. and this idiot tells me he can't let me in! Those of you who know me, know I wasn't going down without a fight. I "politely" mentioned that I flew in from Philly, I was 38 freaking years old, woke up at 4 a.m. and he was letting me in! I had to bring out some good ole Philly influence. So the bouncer who is about 3 times my size says, "fine, but you can't drink". HAHAHAHAHAHA. I eventually found my id and ran it back out to him just to show him that I was in fact 38 and he was an idiot.

I drug Jayne along with me and she was a real trooper (altought she almost died when I started to go at it with the bouncer). Because she was such a good sport, I bought her a pack of RDB rolling papers! It was soooo HOT in the place, as well as, being smoky. We both had to take showers when we got home. GROSS!!! We didn't go to bed until 2 a.m. and had to be up for a 7:45 a.m. conf. call. We are both hurting today. Before the show last night, we had dinner at a place called Chappy's and it was to die for! The owner/chef, Chappy, was from NOLA but lost everything during Katrina. He moved to Nashville and opened up a New Orleans style restaurant and I have to tell you it was incredible. I had duck in a cherry sauce with lump crabmeat on top. I honestly did not want my meal to end. Tonight we are just going to stay in and have dinner here. I have a feeling we are both going to be going to bed early tonight!

Ciao.

NOT Nashville!!!

I'm in Nashville until Sunday for work. I'm staying with my friend and co-worker Geneva Jayne (how Southern is that name?). She has a handsome dog named Winston and a stray cat that I'm trying to convince her to keep. I'll post pics later. Just got in this morning.

Most of you know I have trouble sleeping and last night was no exception. It didn't help that I had to wake up at 4:00 a.m. for my flight. Was hoping to catch some zzzzzs on the plane, but the tight ass flight attendant kept waking me up. I was ready to give him a serious wedgie since he already had something stuck up his ass. But, I was afraid I'd get arrested so I kept my mouth shut. I know, amazing.

Plus...I get to see Rocco tonight because as luck would have it...they are playing in Nashville. I am not a stalker. I am not a stalker. I am not a stalker. Anyway, I digress. So, it means that I will be up well after midnight tonight as well. I should be real pleasant tomorrow.

Will post pictures and updates this week. Oh, and it's hot as stinkin hell here.

Ciao.

snow angels in august

Okay, so I had to improvise as there was no snow to be found in the Poconos. However, the sand from the sand trap on the golf course worked just fine! I'm not one to back down from a triple dog dare and this time was no exception. Steph was throwing out the triple dog dares left and right. It took me a while to realize that she had a camera in hand. By that time, it was too late. This is the only image I will share, but I assure you there are many, many more.

We were in the Poconos for a scrapbooking weekend and while we did get some scrapbooking done, we also managed to have quite a good time. I also got 2 massages over the weekend and they were delightful!!!

I had a nice long weekend starting with the RDB concert Wed. night and went straight through to Sunday.

I'm going to see Dave Matthews this week with Marie. This is the first time I am seeing him live, but I do like his music so I'm looking forward to it.

Ciao!

I'm not on the bus to Boston

with Rocco and the boys, but I did get to spend some time with them. They blew in and out of town today (well actually yesterday since it's 1:30 am). Another kick ass show!!! I was so great to see them for longer than 30 mins. They were incredible. And, since we were right up front I managed to get some good shots of him on stage. Just too tired to mess with them right now. Oh, and in case you are wondering...Rocco's shirt is not implying that I am a hooker.

Another bit of news in my life...got my nose pierced tonight (well yesterday) on South St. I'm filling up that frequent piercing card I got in April!

Off to the Poconos for the weekend.

Ciao!

Volunteering

I've spent the past 3 days volunteering in one capacity or another. Thursday night was my first night working at my local PetSmart with the Northeast Animal Rescue. PetSmart provided NAR with a cat/kitten facility. My job was to play with the kittens and pet the older cats. Of course, I wanted to bring everyone last one of them home with me. However, considering Charlie and Selma barely tolerate each other I hardly think they'd welcome any new additions.

Friday, I spent the day helping MLPA with 3 classes they were teaching at CKC. Had lots of fun, but it was exhausting. It's tough having to be nice and pleasant all day!

Saturday, Steph and I roamed around the city plastering Rocco Deluca concert posters up in record stores, coffee shops, etc. It was kinda fun and most of the merchants were accommodating. Rocco is finally headlining at the TLA. This will be the third time we are seeing him. Anyone who likes great vocals, lyrics and bad-ass guitar playing should check him out. You can listen to his music here. PS - he's cute too! How could you not love a carpet of Rocco???

We also stopped at Loop to check out some yarn. They gave us an awesome pattern for a scarf so we bought the yarn and needles to make it. Now, this scarf is going to be a challenge for me. It calls for a very, very small needle. Since most of you know I'm not the Patron Saint of Patience this project should be interesting. They also carry the same yarns that I bought in The Hamptons -- excited about that.

Finally spending a weekend at home, which is nice. Cathching up on some chores, cat cuddling and planning for SAVE.

Ciao!

This is not the jump shot

that Steph blew her knee out on!!! Yep, Steph was showboating on the court and hurt her knee while we were in LBI. Spent Monday in the ER with her. She came out on crutches!!! However, it looks like she got lucky and didn't do any major damage. Other than the knee incident, we managed to have a good time. The water was really rough, but lots of fun to be in. I washed out twice and had more sand in my bathing suit than was left on the beach. We decided to come home early because she really couldn't walk.

That gave me yesterday to catch up on some things. Finally got my patio back in order after my gardens were dug up to fix a leak. So, at least I can sit on the patio again. Working on a really cool scarf with the yarn I bought in the Hamtons.

This weekend I will actually be home and have to gets lots done around the house, including preparing for the following weekend away. We will be going up to the Poconos for a scrapbooking weekend. I feel like I haven't scrapbooked in ages so I'm looking forward to it. I leave you with one last picture from LBI of the sun setting over the bay.

Ciao.

Beach Feet

Went to Wildwood this past weekend to stay with Jodi. The picture is of the boys' feet. I told them they had to let me take one picture and this is the one I wanted. Matthew and I started a tradition of going out on a date each year. This year we played mini golf. Next year he wants to go out to dinner! I was soooo relaxed this weekend and slept better than I have in months. There is something about the sand, salt air and water that just seems to calm me. Hoping to get down there again in August.

I got home from Wildwood on Sunday and hopped right back in the car to head to Delaware. My friend Wendy from Virginia and Christine from San Franciso were both in the area with their new babies (Molly and Jason) so we met for coffee. Both babies are adorable!!! It was so fun to see them so unexpectedly.

Going to a couple of yarn stores with Steph on Friday and then we are going to see John Mayer in concert Friday night! Can't wait to see Boy Mayer again.

Saturday I'm going to LBI for a long weekend with Steph's family and I'm pretty sure I'll have a blast.

Oh, and it didn't take me as long as I thought to upload photos! I'm all that and a bag of chips.

Ciao!

Jumping in feet first!

So, I tried to give the blog thing a try several months back and just never got into it. My buddy Steph just started one up so I decided to give it another try. I'm sure it will be fascinating!

Steph and I just got back from the Hamptons!!! Stayed at Sammie's beach house. Loved, loved, loved the Hamptons. I have never been to the beach where you could actually sit on the beach and not see any houses, buildings, boardwalks, etc. Nothing but ocean, sand, dunes and trees. So beautiful.

I also got to experience sitting on the beach to watch fireworks for the first time. Loved that too. Fireworks over water are just "gorgeous"! I mostly sat there and laughed at the commentary from everyone....the oohs and ahs and the "daddy, I want that one" and the "gorgeous" in the ever so slight NY accent. hehehe

Steph and I bought some yarn to play with. I'm going to make a kick ass scarf with some hand-dyed yarn I bought.

Going to the beach again this weekend and next. Not sure what it is about the beach, but I am more relaxed there than anywhere else in the world. I feel so calm and quiet there.

So, this wasn't so bad. I guess now I just need to figure out how to post pictures. I'm sure that endeavor will take a couple of more months to figure out!

Ciao.